Should My Asbestos Be Removed In Devon?

Asbestos is a dangerous material that was once commonly used in the construction, shipping, and automotive industries due to its durability, tensile strength, and heat resistance. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, have led to strict regulations on its use, removal, and disposal. If you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Devon and are wondering whether your property contains asbestos and whether it should be removed, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we will give you an overview of asbestos-related issues in Devon, introduce our company Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, provide information on asbestos abatement, and help you make an informed decision about your asbestos problem.

Devon and Asbestos: The Risks and Regulations

Devon is a large county located in South West England, known for its beautiful countryside, coastal towns, and rich cultural and historical heritage. However, Devon, like many other regions in the UK, has a history of asbestos use in various industries, such as shipbuilding, construction, and power generation. According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), between 1960 and 1980, over 3,000 people in Devon died from asbestos-related diseases, mainly mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even in the 21st century, asbestos exposure remains a serious health risk, especially for those who work or live in buildings that contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) or for those who handle or dispose of asbestos waste.

To protect the public from asbestos-related hazards, the UK government introduced laws and guidelines that regulate the management, removal, and disposal of asbestos. The main laws that apply to asbestos are the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, which replaced the previous regulations in 2006, and the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990, which sets out the rules for waste management and disposal. The CAR 2012 require duty holders, which could be owners, managers, or contractors, to identify, assess, and manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises, such as offices, factories, schools, hospitals, and public buildings. These duty holders must also ensure that any asbestos removal work is carried out safely and in compliance with the HSE's Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) and guidance notes.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon: Who We Are and What We Do

If you are worried about asbestos in your property in Devon and need a reliable, experienced, and affordable asbestos removal company, you can count on Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We are a

specialist asbestos removal and management company based in the South East of England, with over 2 decades of experience in the industry. Our team of qualified and licensed asbestos surveyors, assessors, and removal operatives are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to carry out safe and effective asbestos abatement. We serve a wide range of clients in Devon and beyond, including homeowners, landlords, property developers, architects, builders, and local authorities.

Our services are designed to be flexible, efficient, and tailored to your specific needs and budget. We offer the following asbestos-related services in Devon:

Asbestos Surveys

One of the first steps in managing asbestos risks is to identify whether your property contains ACMs and if so, what type, quantity, and condition they are in. Our asbestos surveyors are qualified and experienced in conducting asbestos surveys of various types and levels of complexity, including:

• Asbestos Management Survey - A low-level survey that identifies the presence, location, and condition of ACMs that are likely to be disturbed or damaged during normal occupancy and maintenance of a building.

• Refurbishment and Demolition Survey - A more intrusive survey that aims to locate and identify all ACMs in a building, prior to refurbishment or demolition work.

• Re-inspections - Regular visits to your property to check the condition and management of ACMs.

Our surveys are carried out in compliance with the HSE's guidance HSG264, and we provide a detailed report that includes a risk assessment, a management plan, and recommendations for further action if necessary.

Asbestos Removal

If ACMs are found in your property during a survey and are deemed to be a risk to health and safety, the next step is to remove them. Our asbestos removal operatives are trained, accredited, and licensed to carry out all types of asbestos removal, from small-scale to large-scale projects. We adhere to the latest industry protocols and standards and use advanced techniques such as vacuuming, wet stripping, and encapsulation to ensure that asbestos fibers do not become airborne. We also ensure that all waste and debris are collected, transported, and disposed of safely and legally in licensed landfill sites. We provide a certificate of asbestos removal and a waste consignment note for each job.

Asbestos Management

Even if ACMs are not immediately harmful, they must be managed and monitored to prevent them from becoming damaged or friable, which can release fibers into the air. Our asbestos management service includes conducting regular inspections of ACMs, updating the management plan, providing awareness and training to your staff, and responding to emergency situations such as accidental damage or suspected asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Consultancy

If you need professional advice on any asbestos-related matter, we offer a comprehensive consultancy service that covers a wide range of topics, such as:

• Asbestos regulations and guidelines
• Asbestos testing and analysis
• Asbestos awareness training
• Asbestos risk assessments and management plans
• Asbestos-related health and safety issues

Our consultancy service is provided by our qualified and experienced asbestos consultants and is available on-site or remote.

Asbestos and Health: The Risks and How to Protect Yourself

Asbestos is a silent killer that can cause serious health problems, even with short-term exposure. The health risks are mainly caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which are microscopic and can penetrate deep into the lungs, leaving scar tissue and inflammation. Although there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease depends on several factors, such as the type and amount of asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested, the duration and frequency of exposure, the individual's age, health status, and genetics, and the interaction with other carcinogens such as smoking.

The main asbestos-related diseases are:

• Mesothelioma - A type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, and has a long latency period of 20-50 years after exposure. There is no cure for mesothelioma, and the prognosis is poor, with an average survival rate of 12 months.
• Asbestosis - A chronic lung disease that causes scarring, shortness of breath, and reduced lung capacity. Asbestosis is usually caused by long-term exposure to high levels of asbestos fibers.
• Lung cancer - A type of cancer that affects the cells in the lungs and can be caused by various factors, including asbestos exposure. The risk of developing lung cancer is higher in smokers who have also been exposed to asbestos.

To protect yourself and others from asbestos-related risks, you should:

• Assume that any building constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos and take precautions accordingly.
• Do not attempt to remove or disturb ACMs yourself unless you are trained and licensed to do so.
• Hire a licensed asbestos professional to conduct an asbestos survey, assess the risks, and provide recommendations.
• Follow the control measures and management plan provided by your asbestos professional, including avoiding disturbing ACMs, labeling them, and informing others of their location and condition.
• Wear PPE, such as respirators, gloves, and overalls, when working in areas where asbestos may be present, even if it has not been identified.
• Seek medical advice if you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, especially if you experience breathing difficulties, chest pain, or persistent coughing.
• Follow governmental regulations regarding the handling, transportation, and disposal of asbestos waste and debris.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a serious and pervasive health hazard that requires careful and professional management. If you are a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Devon and suspect that your property may contain asbestos, you should not delay in seeking expert advice and assistance. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a trusted and reliable asbestos removal and management company that can help you identify, assess, and manage your asbestos risks. We offer a wide range of services, including asbestos surveys, removal, management, and consultancy, that are tailored to your needs and budget. We are committed to ethical, safe, and legal practices and comply with all applicable regulations and guidelines. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation or learn more about our services. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we are here to help you achieve peace of mind.